On Monday 11 November – on the feest of St. Martin – around the noon, a fire broke out in our church. The firemen who were called managed to put out fire quickly limiting the scope of the damage. Nevertheless, Pieta which was located in the niche on the right side of the church together with all the objects placed in the niche burnt down completely. The police investigates this event as a criminal offence since intentional arson could not be directly excluded. Another possibility is a short circuit in the wall between two churches.
Church had to remain closed for a few days due to remaining danger of toxic fumes as well as the need to secure the place for the investigation. But by the end of the week it reopened and the Sunday masses on 17 November could take place as usual. Still, stench after the fire is still present and is likely to remain for the coming months despite the cleaning of the site after the accident. We would like to apologize for this and hope this will not prevent the faithful to spend time with God in our church.
In the coming weeks, the niche will be repaired and a new Pieta, which was donated by a monastery that is closing down, would be placed in the niche.
We would like to thank you to all who have in any way contributed to deal with this unpleasant situation and we ask for your prayers so that our Our Lady protects the church from the similar accidents in the future.
